Sri Ramalingeshwara Swamy Temple

Overview

The Sri Ramalingeshwara Swamy Temple also known as Keesaragutta Temple is dedicated to Lord Siva and his consorts Bhavani and Sivadurga at Keesaragutta in Rangareddy district. This temple is 40 km away from Hyderabad city. Sri Ramalingeswara Swami Temple present in Keesaragutta Mandal is an ancient temple built before 4th Century CE for Lord Shiva. The main temple was constructed on the Samadhi of Shri Prabhu in granite with Italian marble flooring as complex of majestic gateway known as Naubatkhana, Anand Mantap and Shejghar where the holy relics are preserved. Devotees can see the huge chandelier presented by the Nizam of Hyderabad at this temple.

About the Temple

There is a 5 storied Gopuram built on the entrance of this ancient temple. Explorations and Excavations conducted by the archaeological department at the temple surroundings, showed the presence of brick structures and Shiva Lingas at the north of the temple on the Hill. Along with these ancient brick structures they also found a sloppy Hillock near the water resource. All these remnants belonged to Vishnukundins Empire. Excavators found the Fortification of walls, Yaga shala and Prayer hall’s at the temple premises indicating the civilization at this place. Scientists found the remnants and rock cut cisterns and Idols of Jain Thirthankars on the hills indicating the existence of Jainism and Buddhism contemporarily at this place.

About the Deity

Main deity of this temple is Lord Shiva in the form of Lingam with the name of Sri Ramalingeswara Swami.

Legend and Stories

Lord Vishnu in the form of Sri Rama has laid the Siva lingam at this location to atone for the sin of killing Ravana, a Brahman. So, the Shivlingam present in this temple is called as Sri Ramalingeswara Swami. Sri Rama ordered Hanuman to bring a Sivlingam from Varanasi to get rid of the sins committed by him on killing Ravana. But, Hanuman was late in arriving with the Siva lingam. Lord Siva himself appeared before Sri Rama and presented a Sivlingam for installation as the auspicious hour was nearing, and at the same time Lord Hanuman was late to bring the Sivalingam within the auspicious hour. Lord Rama installed the Swayambhu Shivlingam given by Lord Shiva at this place. It is also called Ramalingeswara as Lord Sri Rama was believed to install the lingam at this temple.

Festivals

Maha Shivaratri, Karthika Masam, and Dhanurmasam are the main festivals celebrated at this temple. Karthika Masam Abhishekam is one of the special poojas conducted at this temple.

Accessibility

The nearest airport is Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, which is 20 km away from Sri Ramalingeswara Devasthanam in Keesara Gutta. Ancient Temple of Lord Shiva in Keesara Gutta Mandal can be accessed from Rajiv Gandhi International Airport by Buses or Private Taxis run by Government and Private Transport agencies. The nearest Railway Station is Cherlapally Railway Station Junction, which is 10 km away from the Temple in Keesara Gutta. Sri Ramalingeswara Devasthanam in Keesara Gutta can be reached by Buses or Taxis operated by Government or Private transport services from Cherlapally Railway Station Junction. The Sri Ramalingeswara Devasthanam in Keesara Gutta is well connected by road from all places in Telangana State. This temple is 40 km away from Hyderabad City. One can reach this Shiva Temple in Keesara Gutta by Buses or Taxis operated by Government and Private travel agencies from Hyderabad City.

Shlokas

Meaning -Oh Lord Shiva who is seated on Mount Kailash, where the moon decorates his forehead and the king of serpents crown his head, who is merciful and removes delusion, You alone can protect me. I surrender to thee.